Complete Guide to Hand Tremors: Understanding Causes, Types, and Treatment Options

Hand tremors, or the involuntary shaking of hands, can be a frustrating and concerning experience. This involuntary hand movement can interfere with daily tasks like writing, drinking from a glass, or buttoning a shirt, significantly impacting your quality of life. Understanding the root of this shaking is the first step toward managing it effectively. This guide will walk you through the common causes, different types of hand tremors, and the modern treatment options available, including physiotherapy, to help you regain control.

What are Hand Tremors?

Tremors are involuntary rhythmic movements occurring in any part of the body. While slight tremors, known as physiological tremors, are common and often harmless, more pronounced or frequent tremors can indicate underlying medical conditions. The intensity and frequency of the trembling can provide valuable insights into the severity of the condition. Understanding the nature of tremors is crucial in recognising potential health concerns and seeking appropriate medical evaluation and intervention when necessary.

Symptoms and Impact of Hand Tremors

The primary symptom is rhythmic shaking in the hands. This can lead to functional impairment, making fine motor tasks difficult. You may experience:

• Difficulty writing or drawing
• Trouble holding utensils to eat or drink
• Challenges with personal grooming, like shaving or applying makeup
• A shaky voice if the larynx is affected

Types of Hand Tremors: Essential vs Parkinsonian Tremors

Not all tremors are the same. They are classified based on when they occur. The most common types of hand tremors include:

Essential Tremor

This is the most common movement disorder. It is an action tremor, meaning the shaking occurs when you try to use your hands (postural tremor). It often affects both hands and can also involve the head and voice.

Parkinsonian Tremor

This is a classic "resting tremor," meaning the hand shaking is most prominent when the hand is at rest and supported, like when it’s on your lap. The tremor often lessens or disappears during purposeful movement.

Dystonic Tremor

This tremor occurs in individuals with dystonia—a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. The tremors can be irregular and are often relieved by complete rest.

Cerebellar Tremor

Also known as an intention or kinetic tremor, this is a slow, broad tremor that occurs at the end of a purposeful movement, such as trying to press a button. It is caused by damage to the cerebellum.

Psychogenic Tremor

Linked to underlying psychological stress or trauma, this functional tremor can appear suddenly. The tremor characteristics can change and often lessen when the individual is distracted.

What Causes Hand Tremors: Common Triggers Explained

Understanding what causes hand tremors is crucial for finding the right treatment. The triggers can range from lifestyle choices to underlying neurological conditions that affect motor control.

Neurological Disorders

The most common cause of significant hand tremors is an underlying neurological disorder. Conditions like Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor directly impact the parts of the brain that control movement, leading to persistent shaking hands.

Stress and Lifestyle

High levels of stress, anxiety, excessive caffeine intake, and sleep deprivation can trigger or worsen hand tremors. These factors can overstimulate the nervous system, increasing tremor frequency and intensity.

Genetic Factors

Some tremors have a hereditary link. Essential tremor, for instance, often runs in families and is referred to as familial tremor. If a parent has the genetic mutation for essential tremor, their child has a 50% chance of inheriting it.

Diagnosing the Underlying Cause of Shaky Hands

Diagnosing shaky hands requires a detailed evaluation by a healthcare professional to identify the root cause and determine the best course of treatment. The diagnostic process typically involves the following steps:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will collect a comprehensive medical history, focusing on when the symptoms began, how often they occur, and any triggering factors. A physical examination is conducted to assess general health and detect neurological signs.
• Neurological Examination: A focused neurological assessment evaluates the type and characteristics of the tremor through tasks like arm extension, nose-touching, and other coordination tests.
• Medication and Substance Review: The healthcare provider will review all current medications and ask about caffeine, stimulant, or substance use, as these can sometimes cause or worsen tremors.
• Blood Tests: Laboratory tests may be ordered to check for underlying conditions such as thyroid dysfunction or metabolic imbalances that might contribute to tremors.
• Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans may be recommended to rule out structural abnormalities in the brain or nervous system.
• Electrophysiological Testing: Procedures like electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies measure muscle and nerve activity to uncover possible neuromuscular issues.
• Specialised Neurological Testing: In certain cases, specific tests like a dopamine transporter (DaT) scan are performed, particularly if Parkinson’s disease is suspected.
• Psychological Evaluation: If a psychogenic tremor is considered, psychological assessments may be conducted to explore emotional or psychological factors.

After identifying the cause, the healthcare provider will recommend appropriate treatment options and create a tailored management plan to address the underlying condition.

Treatment Options for Hand Tremors

A comprehensive tremor treatment plan often involves a combination of medical and therapeutic approaches.

Medications

For conditions like essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease, doctors may prescribe medications like beta-blockers or anticonvulsants to help manage symptoms.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy exercises focus on improving fine motor skills and adapting daily activities. A therapist can provide strategies and assistive devices to make tasks like eating and dressing easier.

Physiotherapy Exercises

Physiotherapy for hand tremors is highly effective. A therapist designs a customised program with exercises for hand tremors, including specific hand tremor exercises for seniors, to improve muscle strength, control, and coordination. This helps reduce the impact of the tremor on daily life.

Surgical Interventions

For severe, debilitating tremors that don’t respond to other treatments, surgical options like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may be considered.

Hand and wrist exercises for Hand Tremors

Here are some easy-to-do hand and wrist exercises that can help you reduce hand tremors

• Squeezing a stress ball for two to 15 seconds and repeating this around 15 times on each hand daily.
• Rotating the wrist in slow, circular motions at regular intervals during the day will help prevent synovial fluid from building up, reducing tremors.
• Relaxation techniques such as meditation, gentle yoga, and engaging in mindful activities can help reduce stress and positively impact lowering tremors.

Medication for tremors, prescribed by doctors after diagnosis, can also reduce the intensity of hand tremors.

Hand Tremors Exercises For Parkinson's Disease

The following activities are some common hand exercises for Parkinson's.

• Squeezing a soft ball by keeping it in the middle of your palm, grasping it tightly for ten seconds, and repeating it regularly.
• Clenching and unclenching your fist several times at regular intervals during the day.
• Tapping your index finger with the upper thumb finger at regular intervals during the day.
• Bend your fingers down and try to touch the bottom of your palm.

Physiotherapy For Hand Tremor

Physiotherapy can help reduce the intensity of the tremors. It can provide relief with proper care and an exercise regime by trained physiotherapists. Some of them are:

Shoulder Shrugs

This will help increase the frequency of activity between the brain and the arms. The exercise boosts synaptic chain interaction, increasing muscle movement that can help reduce tremors.

Bicep curls

Bicep curls, with the proper guidance by the physiotherapist, can help build muscle in the arm, which can help increase the stability of hand movements, reducing tremors.

Hydrotherapy 

Hydrotherapy can also be a helpful method to deal with tremors and for people with less mobility. Water's buoyancy facilitates gentle movements that gradually enhance over time.

When to See a Doctor for Hand Tremors

If you notice:

• Tremors worsening over time
• Loss of hand functionality
• Tremors occurring alongside other neurological symptoms
• No improvement despite lifestyle changes

You must consult a healthcare professional to evaluate the need for hand tremor treatment.

Get Expert Help for Hand Tremors at Physiotattva 

Regain control over hand tremors, incorporate targeted exercises into your routine to improve stability and quality of life. Seek personalised guidance from our skilled professionals. Start taking actionable steps today with Physiotattva and reclaim your independence!

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix hand tremors?

Hand tremors can be caused by conditions like Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, or brain injury. Our experts recommend practicing hand and wrist exercises to cope with this condition. Further, physiotherapy offers hydrotherapy, tissue mobilization exercises, and acupuncture to treat hand tremors effectively. 

What is the best exercise for tremors?

Tremors are involuntary and rhythmic muscle contractions that may result from stress or severe medical conditions. Experts recommend hand and wrist exercises to cope with these tremors. The best exercises for the condition include rotating the wrist, shoulder shrugs, bicep curls, and yoga. 

Can shaky hands be fixed?

While there is no permanent cure, shaky hands or tremors can be managed by hand and wrist exercises, medication, relaxation techniques, hydrotherapy, and general lifestyle changes. 

What vitamin is good for hand tremors?

Research shows that Vitamin B12, B-6, or B-1 is essential in coping with hand tremors. These vitamins can be acquired through supplements, medication, or everyday foods (eggs, milk, cereals, animal products).

How do you stop the hands from shaking?

Try relaxation techniques, avoid triggers like caffeine, perform hand exercises, consider medication adjustments, utilise assistive devices, and manage stress to minimize hand shaking. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.